Nokia introduces new 5G small cells to support C-band in the US and beyond

By Dan Oliver
published

Nokia has revealed its new 5G small cell portfolio, which includes new mmWave, micro RRH and AirScale indoor Radio products.

Nokia 5G small cells.
(Image credit: Future)

Boasting the latest generation of ReefShark System on Chip technology, Nokia’s new AirScale 5G small cells for indoor and outdoor coverage include enhanced hardware and support for C-Band spectrum in the U.S.

Small cells aren’t new tech. Indeed, the femtocells used in 3G/4G cellular boosters – which work over your home or business broadband – are small cells. But with 5G, the challenges have increased, because For 5G signals sent over mmWave, the number of 5G small cells will need to increase exponentially, and be placed much closer together to move the shorter waves from one site to the next without a user dropping connection or losing speed.

"The portfolio is bolstered by the inclusion of the latest ReefShark chipsets and support for all frequency ranges including the C-Band."

Mark Atkinson, Nokia.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of our new range of small cells products, which further strengthens our award-winning and industry-leading portfolio,” said Mark Atkinson, SVP of radio access networks PLM at Nokia. “The portfolio is bolstered by the inclusion of the latest ReefShark chipsets and support for all frequency ranges including the C-Band. I look forward to supporting our customers’ requirements for premium coverage and capacity both indoors and outdoors.”

Reduced footprint and power usage

Nokia’s new AirScale micro Remote Radio Heads (mRRH) delivers outdoor 5G coverage, enabling operators to densify their networks, especially where the deployment of a macro cell would not be appropriate. Micro RRH have small footprints and lower power consumption, which provides a reduced operational cost, and comes with support for C-Band (via the n77) and midband (via the n79) spectrum.

“This new portfolio of AirScale indoor and outdoor solutions should enhance their standing as an industry-leader."

Rémy Pascal, Omdia.

“Nokia has maintained its position as one of the top small cell manufacturers for five consecutive years according to our research,” said Rémy Pascal, principal analyst at Omdia. “This new portfolio of AirScale indoor and outdoor solutions should enhance their standing as an industry-leader particularly given their support for all key frequency band requirements including the C-Band.”

Nokia has also announced its new range of AirScale indoor Radio (ASiR) solutions, including a new ASiR-pRRH (pico Remote Radio Head) for C-Band spectrum, as well as a new triple-band pRRH – the first integrated 4G/5G pRRH.

For more information you can visit the Nokia AirScale microRRH and Nokia AirScale Indoor Radio System pages. 

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq. Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.